India fourth most vacation deprived nation

Not getting enough vacation days is the major complaint

India is the fourth most vacation deprived nation globally, with 67% of Indians saying they feel very or somewhat vacation deprived, said a survey finding.

The finding was part of the 2014 Vacation Deprivation report brought out by online travel agency Expedia.com. It is the annual analysis of vacation habits across multiple countries and continents.

"Vacations play an important role in maintaining the work life balance, and general wellbeing of the employees while reenergizing them to be more focused at work. According to the survey, Indians are globally highest at feeling more focused at work (50%) after a vacation. In fact, 24% of Indians strongly agree the chance for more vacation days would motivate them to change jobs," said Vikram Malhi, managing director, Asia, Expedia.

The survey also reveals that 64% of Indians who feel vacation deprived say their vacation deprivation stems from not getting enough vacation days, while 36% say their deprivation stems from not taking all of their vacation days.

Due to increased work pressure and the inability to be away from work for longer periods, Indians are increasingly choosing to take multiple short vacations, than a longer one and disconnect with work. So while Indians are among the most eager to plan their next vacation immediately after returning from vacation, 50% of Indians typically use their vacation days on several shorter trip, while only 26% say they typically use their days on one long trip.

The survey also said that the two most common reasons for not taking all their vacation days are a work schedule that does not allow for vacation time (26%) and a personal schedule that does not allow for vacation time (25%). Other possible reasons for not using all of their vacation time include wanting to bank their days for one longer vacation next year (23%), the ability to get money in exchange for unused vacation days (22%) and difficulty coordinating a time that works for spouse, partner, family members, etc. (21%).

Indians are also poor planners when it comes to vacation. With 40% of Indians cannot plan vacation in advance due to work, it is the fourth highest globally after Thailand (43%), Singapore & South Korea (42%). Indians are also globally second highest in cancelling vacation due to work (74%) after Thailand (77%).

Globally, being on vacation outranks finding money, getting a tax refund, celebrating a birthday, even being told you look younger, as the thing that makes people the happiest, with 48% ranking it as number one, said the survey. When they return from vacation, 85% of people globally agree they feel better rested. In fact, on average, people get one extra hour of sleep per night while on vacation.

Relative to last year, employees around the globe are finding their employers less supportive of their vacation time, 55% say their boss is supportive of employees taking their vacation time vs. 65% last year.

The study was conducted on behalf of Expedia by Northstar. This survey was conducted online from August 25 to September 17, 2014 across North America, Europe, South America and Asia Pacific using the Kantar-owned GMI (Global Market Insite) and Lightspeed Research amalgamated group of panels. The study was conducted among 7,855 employed adults aged 18 years of age and older across 24 countries.